Washing-machine.



J. B. KIRBY. WASHING MACHINE. v APPLICATION FILED IULYI 9,19|5- LQ'YKQQQD Patented Sept. 3,1918

J. B. KIRBY.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 19. 1915.

Patented Sept. 3, 1918.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

J. B. KIRBY.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 19. I915.

1,27?,6%; Patented se t. 3,1918.

J. B. KIRBY.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 19, 1915.

Patented Sept. 3,1918;

6 SHEETS.SHEET 5- J. B. KIRBY. WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 19, I915.

Patented Sept. 3,1918;- 6 SHEETS-SHEET 6 JAMES B. KIRBY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

WASHING-MACHINE. I

l ,Q'Y'YJIHM. Specification of Lettersi'at nt Patented Sept. 3, 19118.

Application filed July 19, 1915. Serial No. 40,555. i

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES B. KIRBY, a citizen of the United States, residing at leveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a. certain new and useful Improvement in Washing-Machines, of which the following is a full, clear and exactdeseription, reference being he to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to washing ma chines and has for its general object the provisionof new,.imp1roved, and simplified mechanism for forcing cleansing liquids through the fabrics, and afterward remov-- ing the liquids therefrom. In the performance 'of my said invention I preferably employ a fabric-receiving tub or container of perforated or fora-minous material movably supported within a liquid-containing casing in such a manner as to support the fabrics for washing purposes, and after washing to be elevated above the liquid surface an rotated at a high speed for removing ad hcrent liquid from the fabrics. Subsidiary objects of my invention are the provision of new and improved means for operating the washing devices; the provision of means whereby clothing or fabrics deposited within the tub or container may be automatically distributed therearound so as to be substantially balanced forwringing purposes;.

'the provision of new andimproved means for disposing of the washing devices during the wringing operation; the provision of new and improved means for varying the relaltive position between the washing devices and the tub or container so that all portions of the fabrics may be efficiently cleansed; the provision of a construction wherein the washing operation shall be independent of the amount of clothingor fabrics operated upon at one time and in which the mechanism cannot be stalled or broken by an excess; the provision of an operating [mechanism wherein the same power which effects the washing mot-ion shall also aid in elevating the container; the provision of a new and imp-rovedconstruction anism omitted, the washing devices being at the upper limit of their stroke; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the Washing devices at the lower limit of their stroke; Fig. 3 is a. vertical central sectional view "of my improved washing machine corresponding substantially to the line 33 of Fig. 8; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the tub in elevated or' wringing position and the washing devices completely displaced; Fig. 5 is a front elevational View;

of my improved Washing machine showing the same inclined for draining and omitting the housings; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of my improved washing machine, the cover being omitted; Figs. 7 and 8 are cross sectional views on the lines 7-7 and 88, respectively, of Fig. 1 Figs. 9 and 10 represent side and front elevations, respectively,

of the complete machine including the housings; Fig. 11is a detail View drawn to enlarged scale showing the 'pounder-operating devices intheir extreme positions of operation; Fig. 12 is a detail view illustrating one mode of connecting the pounder arm to its operating-rod; Fig. 13 is a detail view showing the-shape and arrangement of the pedals; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the anti-splashing plate; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the operating mechanlsm; and Fig. 16 is a detail view of the casing-tilting device' Describing the parts by reference characters, 1 represents the outer casing or receptacle of my improved machine, the same tal bars 6 and 7, res ective y, the former,

servin 'as a support or the, casing and the latter eing located near the lower ends of the legs and forming a support for one end of the operating mechanism. Integral with these bars and projecting horizontally rearwardly therefrom are the U-shaped frames 8 and 9, respectively, whose rearward ends encircle and are secured to the leg 5, thisrearward leg 'being preferably of a hollow channel bar, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, for

a purpose to be hereafter disclosed.

Carried by the frame 8 is the vertical bear-.

. ing-sleeve 10 which projects through the bottom Wall 2 of the casing to a considerable distance above the bottom thereof as shown in Fig. 3, leakage around the same being prevented in any suitable manner as by packing. Slid'ably and rotatably journaled inside said sleeve is the vertical shaft 11, having at its lower end a suitable antifriction bearing 12, here shown as a rounded cap formed with an enlarged base, and having rigidly secured to its upper end the vertical sleeve 13 which freely surrounds the upper end of the sleeve 10- Carried by the,

sleeve 13 is the tub or container, whose preferred construction is as follows:

The bottom of the tub is formed from a flat sheet of copper or other suitable metal by spinning or stamping the same to produce an abrupt inwardly, facing annular shoulder 15 having at its outer side the upwardly and outwardly inclined portion 16 terminated by the upstanding peripheral flange 17, and having upon its interior the upwardly and inwardly inclined portion 18 terminating in an upwardly .,turned li 19 surrounding the central aperture. A ove this bottom I place a second frusto-conical plate 20 of greater slope than the portion 18 of the bottom plate, having a central aperture defined by a downturned lip 21 registering with the lip 19 and having its outer edge abutting against the shoulder 15.

Through the apertures defined by the lips- 19 and 21 I pass a short tube 22 and spin it or upset it so as to secure thetwo bottom members rigidly together, afterward preferably" sweating or brazing the same with copper or spelter both at the center joints and at the shoulder 15 so as to form a hermetically' sealed air chamber. Also this construction produces a kind of truss which 3, 4, 5, extending from the floorv Lancet in conveniently cut from the centeriof the blank which forms this coping. The sleeve 13 is preferably secured .to the shaft 11 by some simple and. easily detachable means such as the nut 29. The outer portion 16 of the bottom is preferably perforated, as shown. V

Rotatably journaled upon the exterior of the sleeve 10 is a friction wheel 30 to which is rigidly secured the pinion 31 which -meshes with the gear 32 journaled to the stud 32 carried by the bar 6, and operatively connected to the gear 32 is the eccentric pin 33 by means of which motion is transmitted to the pounder mechanism. In the present embodiment the pin 33 is carried by the face of a pinion 34 whose hub is rigidly connected to the gear 32, this construction being adopted for the purpose of transmitting motion to the tub or container in a manner to be hereafter described, although it will be obvious that other constructions could be employed.

Secured to the upper side of' the bar 7 is a horizontal pivoting member 36 upon which are hinged three sleeves 37 38, and 39. Projecting from the sleeve 37 is an arm 40 whose free end carries a horizontal pin 41 which works between the jaws 4242 projectingperpendicularly from the vertically reciprocable rod 43. This rod is located inside the hollow leg 5, heretofore mentioned, andis guided in its reciprocation by suitable anti-friction members such as the rollers 44. Secured to the upper end of this red is the horizontal arm 46 whose free end is normally disposed over the center of the tub and supports the pounders, here shown as hollow downwardly opening bells or cones 47-47. Preferably some expedient is employed for permitting these pounders'to he moved out of the way during the filling and emptying-ofthe tub, and I have here shown two expedients for this purpose, of which either one or both may be used in practice. I have illustrated the end of the arm 46 as formed with a hollow, vertically-bored, leeve 50, swiveled upon the exterior of a bearing 51 securely clamped to the end of the rod 43. The sleeve is secured against endwise movement by means of suitable washers 5252, and is impositively held memos against angular movement by any suitable catch, such as the ball 53 located in the radial recess 54 and impelled by a spring 55 into engagement with suitable recesses 56 formed in the bearing 51. By this means the heaters or pounders can either be held in theoperating position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6, or can be swung out of the way as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 6.

As a second expedient for permitting the cones to be moved out of obstructing position, I have shown their carrying arms 58-58 as secured to a semi-circular yoke 59, said yoke being ivoted to a block 60 carried by the arm 46 y means of a horizontal pin 61, thus permitting them to be turned either downwardly as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6, or upwardly as shown in Fig. 4. This can he used either in connection with the pivoted arm shown or with a fixed arm.

Adjacent to the rod 43 the arm 46 is first made vertical for a distance as shown at 62, this distance being not less than the amplitude of vibratory movement of the pounders, and a cover-63 is provided for the casing, the rearward portion of, said cover having an aperture 64 for the passage of this part of the arm.

The sleeve 38 carries a rigid arm 68 which extends beneath a transverse finger 69 extending laterally from the side of the arm 40; the upper side'of the sleeve 38 carries a boss 70 to which is pivoted the operating lever 71 whos upper end is formed with a cup 72 receiving the ball 33. The lower side of the lever 68 is formed with a depending branch 73 to which is attached the tension spring 74. whose opposite end is secured to the post 75 carried by the frame 9.

Projecting from the sleeve 39 is the arm 7 9 whose free end carries a laterally extending gudgeon on which is journaled the roller 81. From the lower side of the arm 79 extends the pedal 82 ending in the foot plate 83. Pivoted at the rearward end of the frame 9 upon a transverse horizontal axis is the arm 85 whose forward end terminates in a curved, upwardly-facing shoe 86 receiving the bearing cap 12, while the lower part of said shoe constitutes a curved track 87 which rests upon the roller 81. From the side of the shoe a bracket 88 projects carrying the pivoted roller 89 and the spring 90, the opposite end of said spring being secured to the end of the pin 41. bars 6, 7 is an upright rock shaft 92 to which is secured the arm 93 of the shaft 94 on which stands the motor 95 having a face plate 96 contacting with the friction wheel 30 and normally held yieldingly thereagainst by means of the spring 97 I have shown a screw 98' threaded into the framework and pressing against the finger 99 carried by this rock shaft so as to permit the shelf to be Journaled in themoved to one side against the tension of the spring and stop the machine. The vertical position of the shelf is fixed by the set screw 100, which permits the motor to be raised or lowered and the normal speed of themachine varied at will.

Upon the rotation of the plate 30 by the motor, the lever 71 will be rocked and with it the arm 68 which, upon its upward movement, will carry the arm 40 through the agency of the finger 69. Arrived at its uper point the tendency of the arm 68 is to cave the finger 69, and such will in fact occur in case the downward movement of the cones be prevented for any reason, but normally the cones are brought back to their lowest position by meansofthe spring 90, the point 88 being so located as always to lie beneatha straight line joining the points 41 and 36 when the tub is in depressed position. The varying positions assumed by the parts are illustrated most clearly in Figs. 1, 2 and 11, particularly in the last named figure in which the arc aa is drawn around the point 88 as a center so as to illustrate the nature and extent of the spring action. The strength of the spring is preferably such as to cause the finger 69 to follow the arm 68 closely upon its downward stroke, under ordinary condition of load, although this may be influenced by the amount and density of the fabrics in the tub. In -fact if any unusual obstruction intervenes, either a solid object, or a too large mass of clothing, or even the operators arm, the descent of the cones will be arrested but withoutdamage to the machinery or to the intervening object.

. Durin the normal washing operation, as just expfiiined, the arms 79 and 85 have no function, excepting-that the shoe 86 may and preferably does serve, at least to some extent, to support the weight of the tub, and that the bracket 88 forms one point of attachment for the spring 90. However, when it is desired to elevate the tub out of the wator for. draining and wringing purposes, the pedal 82 is. depressed which raises the arm 79 and causes the roller 81 to move along the lower edge of the shoe, elevating the latter to the position shown in. Fig. 4 and carrying with it the shaft 11. At the same time the roller 89 comes into engagement with the lower edge of the arm 40 and raises this arm also, so as to move the pounders out of obstructing position; and,,since the length of the arm 40 is greater than that of the arm 79, the distance moved by the pounders is proportionately greater than that moved by the tub so that the washing devices are lifted entirely out of the casing where -they can either be left as illustrated in Fig. 4 0r swung to one side as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 6. The effect of elevating the ill shoe 86 is not only to elevate the tub while maintaining an efiicient anti-friction bearing for the lower end of the shaft, but also to relieve the tension upon the spring 90. If the lower point of attachment of the spring 90 were not elevated at the same time as the tub, it would be nearly impossible to elevate the tub at all since the operation would be opposed both by the dead weight of the tub and fabrics and by the entire pressure of the cones caused by the great elongation of the spring. With the construction illustrated the effect of the spring 90 is to facilitate the elevation of the tub, since the distance between its ends is less when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 4 than they are when the parts are in the positions shown in Figsl and 2; in other words the potential energy of the system is less with the levers raised than with the levers lowered, and in the preferred embodiment this is so far true that the weight of the tub is nearly balanced. Also the shape of the trackway 87 is so adjusted thatthe beginning of the tub movement is facilitated; and the shape of the lower edge of the arm is so adjusted that when the tub is fully raised the arm 85 is nearly perpendicular thereto. In order to lock the tub in elevated position I have provided a locking pedal or catch consistin of a curved lever 103 pivoted to the side 0 the lever 79 at the point 104 and having at its free end the toe plate 105. Normally this locking lever is maintained in elevated position by means of a tension spring 106 as shown in Figsff2, 4 and 8, while its upper tlti edge is formed with a shoulder 107 adapted to engage the edge of the bar 7 when the main pedal is depressed.

In order to distribute the clothes evenly about the tub during the Washing operation 930' that there shall be no undue vibration,

while wringing,' I provide a plurality of pounders symmetrically disposed as regards relative rotary movement between said tub and ounders so-that all parts of the fabrics may e acted uon and the fabrics uniformly distributed. n the present embodiment the tub is rotated at lowspeed during the washin'g operation, such rotation being effected l by-the gear 110 meshing with the pinion 34 -and having a driving connection with the 'shaftll through the agency of the pin' 111 and keyway 112. The friction'wheel-30 is normally maintained at a fixed height by Y having its hub-rest upon a collar 113 carried by the sleeve 10,'while the gear 110 is maintained in place by means 01. a flat circular plate 114 secured to its up er face and .resting u on a flange carried v the same collar. he exterior of the plate 114 is slightly beveled and lies inside :of a similarly beveled annular rib 115 formed on the lower wheel out of mesh with the pinion 34, at the same time bringing the plate 114 into engagement with the rib 115 so as to establish driving contact. ment of the shaft moves the friction wheel (30 upwardly along the friction disk 96 and increases the. speed of rotation to-the extent necessary for complete wringing Preferably the shoulder 107 of the locking pedal is so located as to support the tub with driving connection established between the wheels 30 and 110 but without any material Continued vertical moveelevation of the Wheel 30. The starting of the tub from a condition of rest to a condition of even moderate rotation absorbs so much energy as frequently to require a considerable amount of time, during which the fabrics will be draining into the casing and the operator can be doing other things. This slow picking-up of speed is permitted by the friction clutch 114-115 without overloading the motor. As soon as the rotation of the tub has reached this degree the clothes will have been found quite thoroughly drained, and the tub will thereafter rapidly pickup any speed desired upon a further depression of the pedal 82. .Also this arrangement requires the presence of the operator during the time that high speed is maintained since the release of the pedal 82 immediately permits the speed to decrease down to the oint limited by the locking pedal 103. T e curvature of the arm 40 permits a large range of movement of the lever '85 at this point without moving the lever 40.

The distribution of the clothes by the optill eration of thepounderswill be found to be remarkably uniform so that no dangerous vibration will ordinarily be experienced even at a speed of a thousand revolutions per minute; However, with a washing machine of the construction here shown I have found that the vibration is less in case the machine be freely supported upon casters than in case it be non-movably attached, this apparently being due to the fact that the upper part of the machine where the rotation ta es place is heavier than the lower art so that a considerable movement of the ower part is unimportant, but any material movement of the upper part is obnoxious.

. The container an framework are located u 'on .opposite sides of the liquid-pasition which constitutes the center of mass-of the stationary parts. The container and framework both being lighter than the'casing and liquid, the effect of an unbalanced weight in Lancet the container is to vibrate the framework in case the framework is yieldingly supported as by casters or rollers, the inertia of the casing and liquid serving to reduce the vibration and consequent splashing to a minimum. However if'the framework be rigidly secured as by omitting the casters, so that a vibration-outlet is denied, the casing and liquid will generally be violently agitated.

It will be seen that during the washing operation the only function of the motor is to raise the arm -10 against the action \of the spring 90. The purpose of the spring 7-1 is to store up energy from the motor during the descent of the arm -l0 so as to aid the next elevation of the pounders. This saves power and permits a smaller motor to be used. It also serves tostop the machine with the pounders raised in every instance, thus leaving the clothes free. It also holds the levers and gears hr the same position at all times during wringing and facilitates the remeshing of the same when the container is lowered. I

In the casing beneath the tub or container 1 preferably place an anti-splashing plate adapted to ride upon the surface of the wa- 'ter and prevent its being splashed against the revolving tub by the vibration of the casing or being sucked up as a whirlpool by the air-motion. I have shown a light wooden lattice 121 adapted to be depressed when the tub is lowered and to float on the liquid surface when the tub is raised, though other materials could be used. This lattice is of a size to fit closely into the casing and.

has a central aperture 122 for the sleeve 10.

For the purpose of draining the casing I have shown a suitable outlet cock 125 located at the side of the machine opposite to the motor, in combination with a suitable elevating device attached to the leg opposite thereto, In the present embodiment said elevating device comprises a slotted plate 1:26 slida-bly secured upon a rivet 127 carried by one of the legs and having its upper end pivoted at 128 to a rocking plate 129 pivoted at 130. This plate is preferably formed with oppositely projecting arms 131 and 132 whereby it may be operated, and is so constructed and arranged that when the three pivots are brought substantially into line that leg will be elevated one or two inches above the floor and will be held in that position by means of a finger 133 on the plate engaging the side of the plate 126.

The operating mechanism is preferably inclosed in some kind of a housing, which in the present case consists of a U-shaped member 140 formed of thin sheet metal and secured to the outer faces of the frames 8 and 9, in combination with a curved. somewhat conical portion 141 secured to the forward face of the bars 6, 7, and inclosing the ers whereby the energy gears and levers. The sides of the member 140 are preferably cut away as shown at 142 to give access to the friction wheel.

While I have described my invention in detail and pointed out at length the constructions and arrangements which my experiments now indicate to be most desirable, I do not limit myself to such details or arrangements except as the same may be positively included in the claims hereto annexed or may be rendered necessary by the prior state of the art.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In a Washing machine, a casing, a perforated container in said casing for receiving the articles to be washed, means for raising and lowering said container, washing devices adapted to act upon such articles while said container is in the lower part of said casing, and means operative upon the raising of said container for elevating said devices out of said container.

2. In a Washing machine, a casing, a perforated container in said casing for receiving the articles to be Washed, means for raising and lowering said container, Washing devices supported above said container, and means operative upon the raising and lowering of said container for raising and lowering said washing devices through a distance greater than the movement of said eontainer.

' 8. In a washing machine, a container for the articles to be washed, pounders in said container arranged for simultaneous vertical movement, a single operating lever connected to all ofsaid pounders, power driven means for moving said lever in a direction to raise said pounders and means including a spring for moving said lever in the opposite direction to depress said pounders.

4. In a washing machine, a container for the articles to be washed, pounders in said container arranged for vertical movement, spring means for depressing said pounders, amotor and a spring both adapted alternately to elevate said pounders and to become disconnected therefrom, and means connecting said motor to said spring when the same are disconnected from said poundof said motor may be imparted to said spring prior to the subsequent connection of said pounders thereto.

5. In a washing machine, a casing, a vertically movable container therein for receiving the articles to be washed, a vertically movable part supporting said container, agitating devices arranged in said container, actuating means operatively connected to said devices, a power source, mechanism operative while said container is in lowered.

position for connecting said source to said ioo ' "to elevate said pounders when moving in one directlon and dlsconnected therefrom when moving in the opposite direction, and a 'sprin connected to said device and opposin t e last-named movement thereof.

In.a washing machine, acasing, a vertically movable perforated container therein for receiving the articles to-be washed, a vertically movable part supporting said container, pounders arranged for vertical move- 'ment in sa1d container, mechanism for reciprocating said pounders, means for raising and lowering said container, a power source,

and means operative upon elevating said container to disconnect sa1d power source a from said reciprocating mechanism and connected to said supporting part, and also upon lowering said container to disconnect it from said supporting-part and connect it to said reciprocating mechanism.

8. In a washing machine, a casing, a container in said casing for receiving the articles to be washed, means for raising and lowering said container, pounders arranged for vertical movement in said container, mechanismfor raising said pounders, and sprin means for depressing said pounders, said spring means being attached to said cantainer-raising means.

9. In a washing machine, a casing, a vertioally movable contalner therein for rece1v-- ing the articles to be washed, a verticall movable part supporting said container, ag1

tating devices arranged for vertical movement in said container, a vertically movable part operatively connected to said devices, a spring connecting's'aid parts and tending to depress said agltating devices, mechanism adapted to elevate said lastnamed part intermittently against the tension of said.

spring and to permit its depression by said spring during the intervals between such elevations, and means for elevating said' parts simultaneously so as to raise said container and agitating devices together.

10. In a washing machine, a casing, a cyl lindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical, means for raising and lowering said container, washing devices adapted to cooperate with said eontainer while in depressed position to wash materials contained therein, means for rotating said container at high speed when the centric with said sha 1,277',eoa

lindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical, a shaft carried thereby, means for raising and lowering said container, a driving wheel concentric with said shaft, gearing connecting said driving wheel with said shaft while the container is in depressed position and adapted to rotate the same at a slower speed than said wheel, and means operative upon the elevation of said container for disconnecting said gear- 1n sa1d shaft.

12. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical, a shaft connected to said container, means for raising and lowering said container a driving wheel conft, a constantly rotating driving element operatively engaging said wheel, gearing connecting said driving wheel with said shaft while the same is in depressed position and adapted to rotate the container'at a slowerspeed than said wheel, means operative upon the elevationof said container for disconnecting said gearing and connectingsaid wheel directly to said shaft, and means operative after such connection for increasing the speed of said driving wheel relatively to said driving element.

13. In a washing machine, a casing, having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a shaft slidable and rotatable in said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft with its axis substantially vertical, means for raising and lowering said shaft, a friction wheel concentric with said container, a constantly rotating friction disk parallel -to said shaft and engaging said wheel, gearing connecting said friction Wheel with said shaft while the same is in depressed position and adapted to rotate the same at a slower. speed than said wheel, means operative upon the elevation of said shaft for disconnecting said gearing and connecting said friction wheel directly to said shaft, and means for elevating said shaft and wheel simultaneously after such connection, whereby said container is lifted higher out of the liquid in said casing, and 1ipeed increased relatively to said friction is a 14. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable be" tween upper and lower positions in said container, washing devices adapted to cooperate with said container, means operative during the time that said container is in its lower position for actua ting said washing devices, a power source operatively connected to said and'connecting said wheel directly to means, and mechanism whereby said container can be ralsed to its upper position and said power source disconnected from said and between upper and lower positions therein, washin r devices adapted to operate inside of said container, when the same is in its lower position, power driven operating mechanism connected to'said devices while said container is in lower position, and a single lever operatively connected-to said container, washing devices, and operating mechanism and'adapted to elevate said container, to elevate said washing "devices out of said container, to disconnect said operating mechanism from said devices, to connect said operating mechanism in driving relation to said container, and to vary the speed of rotation of said container.

16. Ina washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movableto and between upper and lower positions therein, power driven means for washing articles in said container when the same is in its lower position, and a single lever operatively connected to said container, washing devices and operating mechanism and adapted, when moved in one direction, to elevate said container, to disconnect said operating mechanism from said washing devices, to connect said operating mechanism in driving relation to said container, and to increase gradually the speed of rotation of said container.

17. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lower positions in said casing, a shaft connected to said container, a drive wheel, means for rotating said drive wheel continuously, reduction gearing adapted to be connected between said drive wheel and said shaft while the container is in its lower position,means for clutching said driving wheel to said shaft in high speed driving relation while the container in its upper position,and asingle pedal adapted when depressed to elevate said container and disconnect said reduction gearing and to connect said driving wheel directly to said shaft.

18. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lower positions in said casing, a shaft connected to said container, a drive wheel, means for rotating said drive wheel continuously, reduction gearing for connecting said drive wheel to gle lever adapted to said shaft while the container is in its lower position, means for clutching said driving wheel to said shaft while the container is in its upper position in said casing, and a sin elevate said container and to disconnect said gearing and to clutch said driving wheel to said shaft and said lever being adapted when moved farther in the same direction to increase the speed of rotation of said container relatively to said wheel.

19. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lower positions in said casing, a drive wheel, means for rotating said drive wheel continuously, means for connecting said drive wheel to said container in one operating relation while the same is in its lower position, means for connecting said driving wheel to said container in another operating relation while the same 1s in its upper position in said casing, and a single lever adapted to elevate said eontainer and effect such change in relation, and a catch adapted to secure said lever at the point occupied when said driving wheel is attached to said container.

20. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lower positions in said container, a driving element, means for rotating said element 'at a continuous speed, washing devices adapted to be driven by said element when said container is in its lowest position, means for elevating said container and simultaneously disconnecting said driving element from said washing devices, locking means for securing said container when so elevated, and friction means operative upon such elevation for connecting said driving element in high speed driving relation with said container.

21. In a washing machine, a casing, having'a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a shaft slidabl y and rotatably j ournalcd therein, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft, a friction clutch having one member rotatable with said shaft, a driving wheel connected to the other clutch member, means for rotating said wheel,

.washing devices adapted to be driven by said wheel when said container is in its lowest position, a support for said casing, and a pedal carried by said support and adapted when depressed to elevate said shaft and container, such elevation also serving to disconnect said washing devices and to bring the members of said friction clutch into engagement.

22. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container-located therein with its axis substantially vertical, and movable to and between upper and lower positions in loll said casing. vertically reciprocable pounders adapted to operate upon materials in said tub while the same is in depressed position and to be elevated thereabove when the same is in its upper position, and means includin a single spring operatin to force said ounders downwardl when said container 1s depressed and to liold said ounders in their upward position when said container is elevated.

23, In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lower positions in said casing, vertically reciprocable pounders adapted to operate upon materials in said tub while the same is in depressed position and to be elevated thereabove when the same is in its upper position, and means including a single spring operating to force said pounders downwardly when said container is depressed and to help raise the container to its elevated position.

2i. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, a perforated container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and adapted to receive articles to be washed, means for raising and lowering said container, whereby it may either be elevated above the liquid level or brought into contact with the liquid for washing the articles therein, means operative while said container is elevated for rotating it rapidly whereby said articles may be dried, and anti-splashing means adapted to float upon the liquid in said casing during the time that saidcontainer is elevated and to be submerged when said container is depressed.

25. In a washing machine, a casing, a cylindrical container located therein with its axis substantially vertical and movable to and between upper and lowerpositions in said container, a rotatable drivin element, means operatively connected to said element and adapted to wash articles in said container when the same is in lowered position, and means for disconnecting said driving element from said washing means and for connecting it to said container for rotating the same at high speed when the same is in elevated position.

26. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft within said casing, a lever carried by said support for raising and lowering said shaft so as to support said container either in or out of contact with the'liquid in said casing, a continuously rotating driving element, devices operatively connected to said element for Lancet washing articles in said contamer while in the lower part of said. casing, and means operative upon the movement of said lever for disconnecting said element from said washing device and connectm the same in I operating relation to said sha t.

27. In a washing machine, a casing adapted .to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a bearing in its bottom wall, a sup orting frame beneath'said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a circular container secured to said shaft within the 'casing,a-

adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lowerpart, said casing having a bearing in its bottom wall, a su portin frame beneath said casing, a sha t slidab y and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a circular container secured to said shaft within the easing, a lever having one end pivoted to said frame and the other end projecting beneath said shaft, a second leverpivoted to the op-' posite art of said frame and projecting past said first lever, a tension spring connected to said second lever and tending to draw the same downwardly, a vertically re ciprocable rod connected to the-end of said second lever, pounders carried by said rod and projecting over said casing, and means for raising said first lever.

29. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower. part, said casing having a bearing in its bottom wall, a supporting frame beneath said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a circular container secured to said shaft within the easing, a lever having one end pivoted to said frame and theother end pro ecting beneath said shaft, a second lever pivoted to the opposite part of said frame and projecting past said first lever, a vertically reciprocable rod connected to the end of said second lever, pounders carried by said rod and rojecting over said casing, means for a ternately elevating and depressing said second lever, and a pedal pivoted to said frame and having an end projecting beneath said first lever. 1 a

30. In a washing machine, a, casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing havinga bearing in its bottom wall, a supportlng frame beneath .depending from its bottom said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a circular container secured to said shaft within the easing, a lever having one'end pivoted to said frame and the other end projecting beneath said shaft, a second lever pivoted to the opposite part of said frame and projecting past said firstlever, a vertically reciprocable rod connected to the end of said second lever, pounders carried by said rod and projecting over said casing, means for alternately elevating and depressing said second lever, said first lever having a projection extending beneath said second lever and said second lever having its lower edge bent upon an are substantially concentric with the pivot of said first lever when both of said l levers are elevated, and means for elevating said first lever.

31. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a bearing in its bottom wall, a supporting frame beneath said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a circular container secured to said shaft within the easing, a lever having one, end pivoted to said frame and the other end pro ecting beneath said shaft, a second lever pivoted to the opposite part of said frame and projecting past said first lever, a vertically reciprocable rod connected to the end of said second lever, pounders carried by said rod and pro jecting over said casing, an arm movable about the pivot of said second lever, means for rocking said arm, and a by said second lever and adapted to be engaged by said arm upon its upward movement.

32. In a washing machine, a container for fabrics, a frame supporting said container, a lever pivoted to said frame, a vertically reciprooable rod extending upwardly pastsaid container, and connected to the end of saidlever, pounders carried by said rod and extending over said container, :1 spring connected to said lever and tending to depress the same, an arm movable about the pivot of said lever, means for rocking said arm, and a finger carried by said lever and adapted to be engaged by said arm upon its upward movement.

33. In a washing machine, ed to hold cleansing liquid in said casing having a vertical a casing adaptits lower part, bearing sleeve Wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said sleeve, a. circular container secured to said shaft inside of the casing, a continuously rotating driving member journaled upon the exterior of said shaft, and having a friction clutch upon its lower surface, a cooperating friction member located beneath saidjvheel and rotatable with said shaft, a rotatable member geared to said wheel, washing finger carriedmeehanism within said casing and operatively connected to said rotatable member, and means for sliding said shaft vertically through said bearing whereby said container is elevated out of the liquid and said friction members are caused to engage each other and said rotatable member is disconnected from said wheel.

34. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a vertical bearing sleeve depending from its bottom wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said sleeve, a circular container secured to said shaft inside of the casing, a friction wheel ournaIed concentrically with said shaft and laving upon its lower surface one member of a friction clutch, a coiiperating friction clutch member located beneath said wheel and mtatable with said shaft, a rotatable member geared to said wheel, a friction disk parallel to said shaft and engaging thcedgc of said wheel, washing mechanism within said casing and operatively connected to said rotatable member, and means for sliding said shaft vertically through said bearing whereliquid and said friction members are next caused to engage each other and said rotatable member is disconnected from said wheel and said wheel is moved past said friction disk so as to increase its speed.

35. In a washing machine, a casing adapt ed to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a bearing in its bottom wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing a foraminous container secured to said shaft within the casing, a frietion whe'el rotatably supported coaxially with said shaft, a friction disk supported with its plane parallel to said shaft and operatively engaged with said wheel, means for driving said disk, gearing connecting said w heel and shaft whereby said container is rotated at a speed less than said wheel while in depressed position, means for elevating said shaft relatively to said casing and wheel and simultaneously connecting the same in direct driving relation to said wheel, and means for elevating said wheel after such connection whereby the speed of rotation of said container may be accelerated.

36. In a washing machine, a casing, and a vertically movable container inside said casing, saic container having a floating chamber and a perforated portion outside of said chamber.

37. In a washing machine, a. casing, a container inside said casing, and means for moving said container to and between different vertical positions therein, said container having a floating chamber.

38. In a Washing machine, a casing, and a. container inside: said casing and movable to and between different vertical positions therein, said container having an apertured side wall and a double bot-tom hermetically sealed to form afloating chamber.

39. Ina washing machine, a casing adapt-i 5 ed to hold cleansing liquidand having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a shaft slidable in said bearing, and a tub secured to said shaft inside of said casing, said tub comprising" a tube surrounding said shaft, 9. 10 pair of circular plates secured to the upper and lower ends of said tube respectively and converging together at a distance from their enters, and an upright cylindrical wall formed at the outermost edge of one of said 15 plates.

40. In a washing machine, a casing adaptm'rmoa ed to hold liquid in its lower part, an upright cylindrical container supported in said casing above the liguid, means for rotatingsaid container rapi ly about a vertical axisi 20 and an anti splashing device beneath sai .shaft and enga ing said bottom at a distance from said sha. t.

In testlmony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature.

JAMES B. KIRBY. 

